1) READ EACH OTHER’S BLOGS. COMMENT as you feel inclined.

2) CREATE A DIGITAL STORY/NARRATIVE about something that happened to you recently (One minute maximum).

  • Here is a model from my __ds106__ class that I participated in briefly over last winter break.
    • I made this on a Mac, using powerpoint slides and iMovie: saved images in PPT as a movie; imported into iMovie to add the old-timey effect and music; and then shared to Youtube.
    • The process may be slightly different for PC/Windows Movie Maker users: I found this youtube videothat may be of help, but if not there are dozens more on the very same subject -- just look at the list to the right of the page when you pull up this video. Please share any tips on this via #eng506.
    • Use video (cut with iMovie or whatever the PC equivalent might be), PowerPoint slides saved as a movie, __Extranormal__, a webcam video of you telling the story (of the thing that happened to you) or any other visual digital narrative medium of your choice (see extensive list of some options __here__) .
  • Share with classmates on Voicethread (this does not require sharing to YouTube and is private to those with whom you share your video/content).
    • This page (accessed from the VoiceThread "Support" tab) will help you get started with starting your own thread (when you post your video) and commenting on other's videos/threads. Here is a handy (>1 min. vid on how to comment in VT).
    • I've uploaded and shared a random video for us to practice commenting on. Feel free, but remember that this is my son we're talking about :) .

3) COLLABORATE IN GOOGLE DOCS ON COURSE CALENDAR FOR 506. I am going to set this up for us on a google doc sometime W or Th.

4) CREATE TWO BLOG POSTS:

  • These posts should in response to something said on other blogs (i.e., read their post and write your post in response) (see Will Richardson’s new blog or his old one for some great examples of this technique). Ideally, a few things that spark your interest come across your Twitter stream this week, and you post in response. Remember, this (course) is about "becoming a part of the conversation" and not "blogging to an empty room."
  • Be sure to link to the post to which you are responding and, a) if possible and b) you feel comfortable doing so, notify the author of the original post that you’ve responded to him or her.
    • The easiest way to do this is by creating a trackback that you have posted on their blog.
  • You may add an optional third post (a “free choice” post): Post about anything you like as long as it does not harm or diminish your professional profile. If you’re like me and want to post more on something related to the class, feel free. This post does not necessarily need to be in response to another blog/conversation, but it can be.

5) CONTINUE TWEETING AND DIIGO-ING:
Goals for the week:
  • Twitter: follow 5 more folks, tweet out at least 5x, reply to your colleagues's Tweets.
  • Diigo: share at least 5 cool sources of relevance (with annotation) with the 506 group.

6) READ JAMES GEE, Situated Literacies:

  • Create a Google doc (shared only with me) in which you take reading notes.
    • Note main ideas and important terms, central claims and overarching arguments as well as points of interest. Remember these serve three purposes:
      1. to help you better comprehend the reading (as you actively read and put the above into your own words, you are "actively reading," and thereby engaging in a process that you may someday want to model for your students.
      2. to show me that you have read (i.e., a much more productive way -- see 1, above -- than a quiz to motivate students to "do the work" for your future reference